SSM Postal Plebiscite: So Now You’ve Enrolled, What Happens Next?

Australia, this is not a drill, today is the last day you can enrol to vote in the Same Sex Marriage Plebiscite. Head here to register your deets and have your say.

If you've already enrolled, you may be slightly confused with what to do with yourself atm. But dont worry, we've listed out the next three steps of this process.

STEP ONE: THE SURVEY

Because the more efficient, compulsory-attendance plebiscite was rejected by the Senate, the Government is currently holding a postal-plebiscite through the ABS. This $122 million survey should arrive in your mailbox from September 12. It’s unclear what specific questions will be in the survey, but we’re thinking it’s going to be along the lines of “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?” From which point you tick the yes option and post it on back! You will need to fill out the survey and post your ballot back by November 7, to make your vote count.

NOTE: If you will be overseas at the time of the Plebiscite, there is a paper-less option for you to still have your say. So no excuses now people.

STEP TWO: THE RESULTS ARE OUT

The vote will be decided by a simple majority from those Aussies that return the form on time (so don’t delay guys!) On November 15, the results of the Plebiscite will be released into the public. You will be able to find these on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website here.

STEP THREE: IT’S IN THE GOVERNMENT'S HANDS NOW

If the plebiscite results in a majority of Australians voting YES, then Coalition MPs can undergo a free vote in Parliament on a bill which legalises same-sex marriage. Meaning, we could get same-sex marriage in Australia by the end of the year if passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate.

If a NO vote is returned there would be no free parliamentary vote on same-sex marriage. FML.

Although PM Turnbull says that the legislation “will absolutely sail through” if there is a majority YES vote. Which means every vote counts.

Make sure you have enrolled to vote, because the deadline for that is tomorrow at 6pm!